Josh Gattis appears to slight Michigan administration in farewell text

Former Michigan Wolverines offensive coordinator Josh Gattis is heading to Miami to take the same role with the Hurricanes. In a text message to some Michigan players, Gattis appears to have taken a shot at the Wolverines administration.

“Unfortunately the past few weeks has told a different story to me about the very little appreciation I have here from administration,” Gattis said, via ESPN’s Tom VanHaaren. “In life I would never advise anyone to be where they are not wanted…”

Gattis, just 38 years old, was a big reason behind Michigan’s run to the College Football Playoff this season. He was named the winner of this season’s Broyles Award, given to the nation’s top assistant coach.

Earlier on Sunday, Gattis said that Miami was a special opportunity, and one that he is excited about taking.

“It had to be something special to get me to leave something special, and this was it, man,” the new Miami offensive coordinator told The Athletic Sunday morning. “This place is it. I am so excited about coming to The U.”

Gattis played safety during his playing career, and he suited up for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears during his short NFL career. In 2010, he became a graduate assistant on UNC’s coaching staff. Then, he became the wide receivers coach for Western Michigan in 2011. He held the same position at Vanderbilt from 2012-2013, where he also served as the offensive recruiting coordinator.

In 2014, Gattis became Penn State’s passing game coordinator, and he also held the wide receivers coach and offensive recruiting coordinator positions. Gattis joined Alabama’s staff in 2018 as co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach before joining Michigan in 2019.

Now, Gattis is part of Mario Cristobal’s first coaching staff at Miami.

A possible replacement for Gattis has already emerged at Michigan

The news of Gattis leaving Michigan for Miami was huge and surprising. But shortly after the news broke, a possible replacement for Gattis emerged. ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg reported that Michigan quarterbacks coach Matt Weiss could be the replacement for Gattis as the Wolverines’ offensive coordinator.

“Another twist in the #Michigan situation. QBs coach Matt Weiss, who worked closely with Harbaugh last season, would be a strong option to replace Gattis,” revealed Rittenberg.

Despite rumored interest in a return to the NFL, Michigan will return head coach Jim Harbaugh. But clearly, there will be changes elsewhere on his coaching staff.